Chapter 12
1116 Words
General Wiltone found out about the training fight and sent me straight back to the mansion. I don't know what happened to the rest of them. I believe Lieutenant Phillip was just testing me, though it may have gone too far.
I jumped on to the idea so much that I caused trouble for the others. I was so intent on gaining strength that I did not take into account the suffering I might cause others.
I felt responsible for what happened to the others at the training grounds. I'll speak with General Wiltone as soon as he gets back. I need to make sure nobody gets in trouble.
Upon arrival at the residence, the carriage was met by a line of palace guards in front of the entrance. Luke came out the front door shortly thereafter.
He guided me down the carriage with a smile but I could feel the tension in him as he looked at me. "I'm glad you're all right, Lady Maud. I was unaware that you had a passion for swordplay."
I gave a nervous smile. "There is no need to worry, Prince Luke, as I have returned safely."
"From this day forward, I request that you exercise caution and ensure your own safety. The Palace will not be delighted to hear that my bride is exposing herself to unnecessary risks."
"Y-Your bride?" I asked, just to be sure that I heard him right.
"The Prince himself has come to inform you that he has selected you as his bride." Reed came forward to speak. He left the training camp yesterday without saying another word to me.
I was at a loss as to how to respond. I should have been content with the fact that my plans were proceeding as expected, but why did I feel the need to back out?
"Prince, I think Lady Maud seemed to be a bit tired after her journey," Reed said, to which Luke agreed.
"Ah, Y-Yes. I'm sorry, your highness." I swallowed hard.
"I can see that you're tired. All right, we will be leaving. See you in the palace." He then gracefully mounted his horse and proceeded to lead the royal guard in his direction.
Reed mounted his horse, but not before he hailed it. I said, "Sir Slyfield, I need to speak with you. Meet me at my balcony."
He nodded and left.
Now that my plans are going the right way, I need to set things straight with Reed. I need to figure out what these feelings are when I see him.
Now that things are moving in the right direction, I have to make things right with Reed. I have to find out what kind of emotions I perceive when I'm with him.
I went to my room while Sophie prepared my bath. I need to recount why I am doing this. I took the letter named after my father and read it once more.
My mother's death. I need to find out who did it.
I need to gain access to the palace. In order to do that, I must marry the prince. I had my head straight for this purpose, but why am I doubting myself now?
I held my hand across my chest. I have to stop feeling this. I must focus on my goal.
Reed agreed to meet me and I just knew he would come in the middle of the night like he had before. I waited patiently for him.
Even though I’ve rehearsed it in my head, I don’t know if I really have the courage to confront him.
But I must be strong for my purpose. This is the least I can do for my mother, and it may be something my father would have wanted me to know. I wanted to think of it that way.
I put on the candle and pulled back the curtains. Reed needs to know I'm waiting for him.
Soon, I heard a thud from my balcony and I knew it was him. I partially opened the balcony door, just enough for him to know I was there.
"Thank you for meeting me, Sir Sylfield." I swallowed hard. "We both had a long day, so I'll make this quick." I took a deep breath before talking again. "I need you to understand your position. I'm officially Prince Luke's bride and he won't tolerate your actions when we're alone."
He turned his gaze at me. It was hard to continue but I must. "Your words and actions confuse me." Even if my body forced me to look away, I kept my eyes on him.
"Don't marry the prince," he said, seriously.
I knew he'd say that somehow. "What could possibly be your reason?"
"You're safety," he briefly answered.
"Why are you so worried about my safety? We've only known each other for a short while." He said nothing.
"If you have something to say, you have to say it now."
I waited for him to respond, but he did not move. He merely looked at me, and I turned away in annoyance. "If you don't want to talk to me, the best thing you can do is stay away from me."
The door behind me opened, and I turned to meet his strong gaze. "Don't put yourself at risk, Maud. Let me finish what I started. You have my word, I'll find out who did it."
"Y-You are aware of my plan, but how?" The tension on my body diminishes.
Reed gripped both of my shoulders in trembling hands. "I want to know who you really are. Tell me who you are!"
"I can't. I need you to trust me."
"How could I possibly trust you when I know nothing about you?" As I looked into his eyes, my eyes filled with tears. I tried to stop them, but I just couldn't do it.
"You must." He wrapped his arms around me and all my fears melted away. My mind was telling that I shouldn't give in but my heart said otherwise. I found myself embracing the man I wanted to trust. I didn't have enough reason to trust him, but I will.
"You must have faith in me too." He nodded and wiped my tears away.
"Promise me one thing," he said in a low voice, "Call only my name."
I knew without a shadow of a doubt that my heart yearned for him. I never thought it would come to this, but meeting Reed changed everything.
I decided to trust him behind my doubts. My gut is telling me to. He may be keeping secrets from me, but his embrace tells me they're for me.
- Writer
